205. CABLE TO G. K. GOKHALE1

DURBAN,

December 22, 1913

HON'BLE GOKHALE
SERVINDIA
POONA CITY

WE WERE DISCHARGED UNCONDITIONALLY THURSDAY ON
RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION STOP HAVE ADDRESSED JOINT
LETTER2 GOVERNMENT INFORMING UNABLE ASSIST COMMISSION
BY EVIDENCE UNLESS COMMUNITY RIGHT TO BE CONSULTED
MATTERS AFFECTING IT RECOGNIZED AND PARTISAN CHARACTER
COMMISSION COUNTER-BALANCED BY APPOINTMENT SCHREESfER
APPELLATE JUDGE ROSE-INNES OR OTHERS EQUALLY IM-
PARTIAL APPROVED BY COMMUNITY AND UNLESS NEARLY
FOUR THOUSAND PASSIVE RESISTANCE PRISONERS IN ORDINARY
AND MINE GAOLS RELEASED, WE THEN UNDERTAKING ADVISE
SUSPEND PASSIVE RESISTANCE PENDING FINDING COMMISSION
STOP HAVE ALSO STATED SCOPE INQUIRY SHOULD INCLUDE
EXAMINATION ALL GRIEVANCES AND THAT WHILST FINDING
ON ALL ALLEGATIONS BRUTALITY AND ACTS MILITARY WILL
FINALLY SETTLE CONTROVERSY THEREON. ANY FINDING ON

GRIEVANCES IF DEROGATORY PASSIVE RESISTERS DEMANDS SET

FORTH CACHALIA'S LETTER3 SEPTEMBER WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

BY COMMUNITY, HAVE FURTHER INFORMED GOVERNMENT THAT
IF PRAYER REJECTED WE SHALL SEEK REARREST AND ADVISE
STILL MORE RIGOROUS PROSECUTION CAMPAIGN STOP MASS
MEETING TO-DAY ATTENDED ABOUT SIX THOUSAND CONFIRMED
ABOVE ADVICE PASSED RESOLUTIONS ACCLAMATIONS STOP

1 Gokhale had received Reuter's summary of a report of Gandhiji's inter-
view to Tke Natal Mercury, vide pp. 273-4. The following cable was received
from Gokhale at 10 p.m. on December 21: "Reuter cables substance your
interview. After Solomon's speech fear boycotting inquiry will be grave mistake,
alienating sympathy Government of India and many friends England. Engage
best counsel and yourself Polak assist offering evidence. Inquiry does not con-
cern general grievances passive resisters but it is most important, opportunity
offered producing evidence support allegations cruelties should not be refused*
I venture suggest draw up protest against Essden and Wyiie> explaining fully
objection to both and appear under protest'*

2 Vide "Letter to Minister of Interior", pp. 277-8L

3 Tide "Letter to Secretary for Interior", pp. 183-6,